Patient asking for phone number to keep in touch, what do you say?

[amy0123]

A patient that my coworker cared for frequently was being discharged. The patient asked for her name and phone number to keep in touch. And so she did. I wouldn't feel comfortable at all with that. I've noticed patients tend to want to keep in contact with the staff on how they are coming along. Sometimes the patients leave their address and phone numbers behind to keep in touch. Sometimes they ask their nurse for their specific name and contact number.

What do you say to them?

Would you give out your phone number?

[Grace Oz]

Unless you give them the number for the local Zoo, NO! NEVER!

[mothership_2006]

I as a young nurse knew the rules about not giving a telephone number out, I did, as I was a qualified swimming teacher and the person was to bring her daughter to me for lesson's. The patient turned out to be sucidal, wanting to give her daughter to me and continue with ending her life. I did have the foresight to withdraw tactfully, I went straight to management and confessed what I had done: the outcome, they contacted the individual and that was the end.

Never ever give your number out.

[RNperdiem, RN]

Sometimes we have long-stay ICU patients and their family stop in to say hello on their way to clinic follow-up visits. The visits are informal and short, the patients look so much better, and everyone thanks us again. It is very memorable for parents with tears thanking us for saving their son-it keeps you in nursing through hard times.

I would rule out giving your phone number; it is too personal.

[jlcole45]

I agree with most - keep your private time, private.

[lpnstudentin2010, LPN]

Closest that has ever happened with me is that I sent one of my OR nurses a letter, at the hospital, thanking her for taking amazing care of me. I had put a return address on the envelope and I now we exchange Christmas cards each year, and if she sees me in the hospital she ALWAYS checks how I am doing. Even the time I was waiting to go in to the pre-op area and she came out to tell her husband how their daughters surgery had gone.

[nurturing_angel]

I have given my hospital e-mail to a few of my childbirth ed class participants if they are not delivering at my hospital and they send me birth announcements and pictures of their new babies. I love it getting them too. Also, some of my pts that I take care of in labor and delivery or mother baby gets the address if they ask. I love getting updates on how mom/baby is doing.

I do not give out my personal info though. Too risky.

[beginning]

I know it would be best not to because we have to remember that clients are not our friends. Friendship is something that is earned. I have a problem with being too friendly too quick sometimes. As a nurse, this could come back to haunt you. It would take God to come and tell me in the flesh that it is okay. :redpinkhe

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

NO WAY! I have been asked several times, and the answer is the same...

"Oh I so appreciate that! However, it is policy of all staff here to not give out their personal information to anyone. I have a great idea that can help me though, instead...could you write me a nice thank you card so I can put it on our thanks board in our breakroom so that I can see it daily and cheer me up when things are hectic! That would be the best thank you in my book!"

I have a LOT of cards! LOL! And they really do help when I am down to look at those .

This way the patient gets something, I get something...and we both feel good!

[Jacobero]

I never give out my phone number.

Then again, I don't think that I've ever been asked. I'm not that nice of a nurse! :)

Seriously, although it hasn't come up, there are those on my unit who do have social/personal contact with pts/pts familes and I'm not comfortable doing that. The most I would do is give the number to the unit, or a company email addy.

[traumahawk99]

absolutely not. it's nothing except trouble to bite you in the rear down the line.

um, that is unless she's cute enough :). then.. uh, maybe :).

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

absolutely not. it's nothing except trouble to bite you in the rear down the line.

um, that is unless she's cute enough :). then.. uh, maybe :).

[Agnus]

If you are ever cornered and feel the person will not take NO for an answer you can give a phony name and number.

There is nothing on earth that says because someone wants to know personal information about you that you have to give it. There is nothing that says if they will not relent until you do that you must be honest. After all, if they will not accept no then they are out of line and you must do what you have to to protect yourself.

This is true in any situation, social, work or what ever. You do not owe them this information.

When they try to use it ad discover a wrong number or name they get the message loud and clear.